Current Americas Got Talent Judges Panel
The current panel for the 2024 season of Americas Got Talent includes Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell, and Sofía Vergara. Howie Mandel has served as a judge and host across multiple AGT seasons and also hosts the companion digital series Howie Mandel Does Vegas. Heidi Klum joined the panel in 2013 and returned for the 2024 season after a brief absence, bringing her modeling and television background. Simon Cowell, the creator of the AGT format, returned as a judge for the 2024 season after a hiatus, with his role focused on evaluating acts based on marketability and originality. Sofía Vergara, the Colombian actress and producer known for Modern Family, joined the panel in 2023 and continues as a judge in 2024. Additional information about the show format and history is available at nbc.com/americas-got-talent.
The 2024 season continues the format where judges score performances and decide which acts advance to live shows. The panel evaluates acts based on a combination of raw talent, stage presence, and potential for audience engagement. The show is produced by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment, with Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment playing a central role in the global format. The broadcast reaches a large U.S. television audience and is also distributed internationally through the AGT franchise. The official casting and submission portal for performers is managed by Fremantle at fremantle.com/shows/americas-got-talent.
Judges Backgrounds and Professional History
Howie Mandel is a Canadian comedian, actor, and television host born in 1955, known for hosting Deal or No Deal and his work in stand-up comedy. Heidi Klum is a German model and television personality born in 1973, who rose to prominence as a Victoria's Secret Angel and later became a judge on Project Runway and America's Got Talent. Simon Cowell is a British television personality and music executive born in 1959, known for creating and judging shows such as The X Factor, American Idol, and Britain's Got Talent. Sofía Vergara is a Colombian actress and businesswoman born in 1972, best known for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on Modern Family and her production company Latin World Entertainment. Background details on Simon Cowell's career and Syco Entertainment are available at forbes.com.
The judges collectively represent a mix of comedy, modeling, music industry expertise, and mainstream television acting. Howie Mandel's role often includes engaging with a wide range of acts, from novelty performances to serious musical and dance submissions. Heidi Klum is noted for her focus on visual presentation and originality, often highlighting acts with strong staging. Simon Cowell's evaluations typically emphasize commercial viability, vocal or technical skill, and potential for international franchise development. Sofía Vergara brings a perspective grounded in mainstream entertainment and audience relatability, often connecting with acts that have broad appeal. The show's casting process is managed by production teams that review thousands of submissions each season.
Judging Process and Season Structure
The audition process for Americas Got Talent begins with open calls and virtual submissions reviewed by producers, followed by live audition rounds where judges provide feedback. Judges use a thumbs-up or thumbs-down system during auditions, with acts requiring a majority of positive votes to advance